Global Banking School (GBS) has signed for 69,000 sq ft at Macquarie Asset Management’s 1 Brindleyplace office building in Birmingham.
The higher education provider, which currently operates two campuses in Birmingham at Fazeley Studios, Digbeth, and Norfolk House at Smallbrook Queensway, has signed a 15-year lease on the entire building.
James Kennedy, deputy CEO of GBS, said: “As an organisation we are always looking to grow. At GBS, we are working to deliver on the GEDU goal of changing lives through education. We offer students unparalleled flexibility to complete their studies within their already busy personal and professional lives, enabling them to take that next step in their career. This expanded footprint will allow us to even better serve the Birmingham community, a city in which we are proud to have a presence.”
Theo Holmes, senior director and head of office agency at CBRE in Birmingham, which advised Macquarie on the letting, added: “The education sector is particularly active in the office market, with several notable deals in the last 18 months, including QAHE’s 45,000 sq ft letting at Louisa Ryland House, Arden University taking an additional 24,000 sq ft in Crossway House and University College Birmingham’s acquisition of 45,000 sq ft at Baskerville House.
“The repurposing of office space for education use is a trend that is continuing to gather pace in Birmingham. Space requirements of education providers are very similar to office occupiers. When coupled with access to local amenities and good transport links, it’s easy to see why an increasing number are choosing this route to establish and expand their campuses in the city. Brindleyplace provides the perfect campus location, offering good quality accommodation and affordable rents, within a safe, managed environment.”
